Which Elise.

[djb222]

Hi

Currently selling my BMW Z4 and want an Elise. Which are the best models to consider. I want something that is tuneable, holds its value. Budget up to around £15k. Trade or private sale?

I know this is an open ended question but your thoughts are appreciated.

Anyone with a n Elise/Exige in the Great Barr/ Sutton Coldfield area.

Many advanced thanks

David

[Mutley00]

David, I think you are best going on SELOC or MLOC forums as this topic has been visited and re-visited countless times. For £15k you are around a crucial borderline - do I go for an immaculate S1 or early S2 Rover engined one or a newer Yota engined one. For sheer seat of the pants driving pleasure, I think everyone agrees the S1 Sport 190 is the one to have, but £15k isn't likely to buy you one I'm afraid. I've got a concourse Lava Orange S2 with a Bell & Colvill 160 bhp upgrade I wasn't actively looking to sell, but can send you details if interested? Regards, Andrew

[djb222]

Thanks Andrew,

would love to see some pics and a few details about your car etc, could you PM me. Orange is THE colour.

Will look at the OC's you suggested, my budget is flexible but want to avoid to much depreciation.

David

[kambites]

In that budget, you're looking at an S2 111S or 111R if you want a relatively "modern" car, or one of the more exotic S1s such as the S160 if you want something a little more focussed. There is no real "right" answer, you need to get behind the wheel of a few and see which you prefer.

As above, you wont get an S190.

[fridaypassion]

15k I would get a K series. The only 111R you'll get for 15k these days will be a leggy old dog. The peaches of the S2 Elise range are the K series sport tourer (122 bhp short ratio box) and the toyota 134 which you might find a private sale withing budget if you're lucky. The 111S is good but people often forget that its just a sport tourer with a longer geared gearbox so the additional power is neither here nor there but you have the added complication of the VVC unit. My own personal car is a sport tourer and I dont think i'd swap it for any other S2 variant its that good. Fastest shouldnt be confused with best!

[kilarney]

Have you tried a 135 R generally accepted as the best s2 variant.

[kambites]

kilarney said:

Have you tried a 135 R generally accepted as the best s2 variant.

I don't think anything is "generally accepted as the best S2 variant". There are as many different opinions as there are there are cars.

[Richard-G]

djb222 said:

Hi

Currently selling my BMW Z4 and want an Elise. Which are the best models to consider. I want something that is tuneable, holds its value. Budget up to around £15k. Trade or private sale?

I know this is an open ended question but your thoughts are appreciated.

Anyone with a n Elise/Exige in the Great Barr/ Sutton Coldfield area.

Many advanced thanks

David

Hi David

as Kambites and others have said its a bit of a BIG question. I don't think you can go wrong with a 111R personally, toyota engine and rock solid residuals.

I live in Lichfield and i have a 2 year old 'S3' which is basically the same inside if you just need a sit in one. let me know if you need to try it on for size!

[djb222]

kilarney said:

Have you tried a 135 R generally accepted as the best s2 variant.

Probably looking at one tomorrow.




Richard.G, thanks for the offer I may be in touch.

There are so many out there. Ive seen a Type 23 is for sale, looks interesting!!

David

Edited by djb222 on Tuesday 13th May 16:37

Edited by djb222 on Tuesday 13th May 16:48

Edited by djb222 on Tuesday 13th May 16:50

[kambites]

I would strong recommend driving at least a 111S, a 111R and a VX220 turbo before buying and ideally one of the Sports Suspension equipped models as well (135r, Sport 160, etc).

I drove the 111R first, and loved it; then the VX220 and hated the engine (but there's no denying that it's very fast for the money); then the 111S which, for me, was a step again above the 111R. I did drive various more "specialist" models too, but wasn't keen on the sports suspension for daily use. I'd probably have tried to stretch to a Sport 190 if it was a weekend car (or more likely bought a Caterham instead).

Despite owning one, I'd resist the temptation to pay significantly more for a "special edition"; they're mostly just normal cars with different colour schemes.

[un1eash]

Pretty much every type of Elise will hold its value, some rare examples(S1 Exige, S190) fetch silly money now. You really need to drive a few and decide for yourself as everyone likes something a bit different. I preferred the 111S over the 111R after driving them back to back. I wouldn't say no to a 111R though and may consider one in a few years to try something different.
Coming from a Z4 if its going to be your daily be prepared as Elise ownership can be love/hate. My previous cars before the Elise were a 350Z and Z4 and I don't think I'd consider an Elise if I had to use it everyday but then that's just me.

[fridaypassion]

Everyone thats driven a 111R and an S back to back will buy the S. Well unless you are looking at it for trackdays. 111R is Tedious on the road. Would be better with the cam changeover lowered but even then its a bit gimmicky.

If you want a back to back I have one of each listed in classifieds well two 134s and a 111R at the moment

[popegregory]

I'd highly recommend you pop down to junction 1 of the M42 and speak to Paul Matty